35 cherry recipes

Want expert advice for growing your own crop? Learn how to grow your own cherries from our friends at Gardeners’ World.

Try our cherry recipes then check out our other seasonal ingredient ideas, including our raspberry recipes, carrot recipes and nectarine recipes.

When are cherries in season?

Cherries have a short season in the UK from June to August.

Why we love cherries

Cherries are small, deep red stone fruits which are sweet and slightly tart in flavour, making them a prized addition to sweet and savoury recipes. However, they can preserved or pickled to enjoy all year round. No cherry pitter, no problem. Put a small metal piping nozzle on a board, press the cherry on top slowly and the pip will pop out of the top.

Health benefits of cherries

Cherries are known for their protective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They're also high in polyphenols – natural plant compounds which may be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. It's believed that cherry juice may also help with recovery after exercise.

35 easy cherry recipes

Cherry crumble

Crumble approaches nigh-on dessert perfection. Chill leftovers and stir through maple syrup and vanilla-spiked yogurt for a superior breakfast.

Cherry madeira cake

This cherry Madeira cake is a classic teatime bake. It combines a buttery crumb with bursts of fresh, ripe cherries and a hint of almond. It keeps beautifully in an airtight tin and becomes even more moist and flavourful after a day or two—ideal for slicing up at your leisure.

Cherry croissant bread and butter pudding

This rich, almond-infused dessert is a delicious mash-up of a bread and butter pudding and Bakewell tart.

Chocolate and cherry fondants

Dark chocolate and a quick homemade cherry jam come together in this rich dessert that can be made ahead and cooked from frozen. Serve for a dinner party with whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Enjoy your favourite fruits all year round with our easy jam recipes.

Cherry bakewell blondies

Cherries help take these blondies to the next level with the classic flavours and ingredients of a bakewell tart. Cut into squares and pack for a picnic, or enjoy for afternoon tea.

If you like white chocolate, then you'll love our wonderful white chocolate recipes.

Cherry clafoutis

Cherries are macerated in kirsch or brandy in this baked French dessert that’s dusted with icing sugar and served warm straight from the dish. When cherries are in season, this is a fabulous way to enjoy them.

Can't get enough of French cooking? Add new dishes to your repertoire with our favourite French recipes.

Cherry labneh summer pudding

Cherries simmered with orange zest, homemade labneh, sweet brioche and pomegranate sauce on top... this is our ultimate summer pudding.

We have lots more summer desserts for you to get stuck into.

Pickled cherry, gorgonzola and rocket salad

Pickled cherries provide plenty of of tangy, summery flavours – a great way to savour this summer fruit right through to autumn.

For more fresh and crunchy recipes like this, have a look at our top summer salads.

Cherry pie

You can use fresh or frozen cherries to make this classic pie – combine with kirsch-soaked cherries from a jar to take the filling to the next level. Don't forget the vanilla ice cream or large dollop of whipped cream.

We also have a zesty lemon meringue pie to take your fancy.

Cherry jam

Add botanical depth to sweet cherry jam with bay leaves and delicate rosewater. Perfect slathered on toast, or try swirling into overnight oats or porridge.

Black cherry granita

Try our black cherry granita, it's a perfect summer palate cleanser. This recipe is super quick and easy to make, and it's great for a big crowd.

If granita is your thing, we also have a fabulous limoncello recipe to try.

Summer pudding

This quintessential British pud makes the most of seasonal berries. Enjoy cut into thick wedges, with plenty of whipped cream on the side.

Sour cherry trifle with almonds

Dazzle your guests with the perfect Christmas day dessert – layers of vanilla-flecked custard cream, sherry-soaked sponge, toasted almonds and irresistible sour cherries.

Cherry jam and almond galettes

Check out our almond galettes with whole black cherries and cherry jam for extra sweetness. These mini tarts are made easy with ready-made puff pastry and a simple homemade almond frangipane. They're guaranteed to delight your lunch or dinner party guests.

Cherry ice cream

Sweet, juicy cherries and vanilla custard ice cream, perfect for cooling off on a warm day. Seriously simple to prepare and no need for an ice cream maker. How can you resist?

Check out more of our impressive ice cream ideas.

Bakewell traybake

We love bakewell tart in all forms. Here, we've added juicy cherries and topped with crunchy desiccated coconut. The individual slices are perfect with an afternoon cuppa.

Try more afternoon tea treats.

Cherry and pistachio bakewell galette

Our love for bakewell continues, here with a rustic galette that's even easier to make than a classic tart. Pistachios add a vivid green colour and richness to the traditional almond and cherry filling.

Next up, our lemon and pistachio bakewell tart.

Black forest trifle

This easy idea for trifle uses ready-made brownies and cornflake cakes, with cherries and blueberries. Topped with custard, cream and chocolate – what's not to love? An ideal dessert for a summer dinner party.

If you're feeding a crowd, have a look at our individual dessert ideas.

Fresh cherry and coconut lamingtons

Lamingtons, originally from Australia, make a delicious teatime treat. Mini cakes, decorated in cherry jam and desiccated coconut, topped with a fresh cherry.

Get your apron on and be inspired by our best ever cake recipes.

Goat's curd, pickled cherry and pecan toasts

This recipe for goat's curd, pickled cherry and pecan toasts makes a great, simple veggie snack or light lunch for a hot day.

We've got plenty more toast topper ideas to keep you going.

Black forest brownies

Black forest brownies combine two of our favourite sweet treats. This brownie/black forest gâteau mash-up is boozy, cherry-studded, chocolatey heaven. Add a big dollop of kirsch-spiked cream, if you like.

Get baking with our best brownie ideas.

Chocolate-dipped meringue with cherries and boozy cream

Take ready-made meringues, dunk in melted chocolate and top with fresh cherries and you've got yourself a quick, easy and indulgent dessert.

You'll also love this speedy Eton mess.

Upside-down cherry cake

This recipe for upside-down cherry rose cake with clotted cream is truly the taste of summer. It looks impressive, too, so friends and family are sure to enjoy it.

For another fragrant dessert, try our chocolate gâteau with raspberry and rose.

Cherry nanaimo bars

These chocolate, cherry and custard bars are divine. Mahlab, a popular Middle Eastern spice, adds hints of rose and vanilla. Perfect for afternoon tea.

For more seasonal recipes by Gurdeep Loyal, check out these asparagus and ricotta salata tartlets.

Cherry crumbles

These individual pots of cherry deliciousness couldn't be simpler to make – the perfect baking project with kids. Flaked almonds add a nice crunch, too.

We have all the classic crumble recipes, and some new versions for you to enjoy.

Cherry blondie tart

Ready-made pastry keeps this white chocolate tart super easy, but it's still special enough to serve as part of a garden party spread.

Next, try our raspberry and white chocolate blondies.

Sour cherry stollen bars

This ingredients list may look lengthy but it’s all about building up the textures and flavours to make the moreish bar. Cherry jam and dried sour cherries add fruitiness.

Pickled cherries

Make these dark and juicy pickled cherries to serve with charcuterie, salads or roast pork. The flavour is tangy but still slightly sweet.

Black forest cheesecake

This dark, indulgent chocolate cheesecake swirled with cherries in kirsch is a great showstopper for any occasion. Making the chocolate collar is really worth the effort for an extra special touch.

If you prefer something fresh and zesty, give our lime cheesecake a go.

Sour cherry cakes with soft cheese frosting

A seasonal favourite - the soft cheese frosting contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the tinned cherries. Serve as part of a garden party or picnic spread.

For a grown-up treat, we also have some delightful black forest cupcakes.

Upside-down cherry torte

When summer berry season is in full swing, make the most of it with this show-stopping cherry torte. Delicious and easy to make, this dessert is great for entertaining.

Host the ultimate dinner party with our effortless summer entertaining ideas.

Sugar-crusted cherry pies

Morello cherries in jars or tins make a great store cupboard ingredient so you can knock up these individual sweet pies at a moment's notice. The sugar topping gives a crunchy finish to the pastry.

We're big fans of pie, we also love citrus-spiked key lime pie.

Chocolate, chestnut and cherry roulade

This beautiful Christmas dessert uses the classic combination of chocolate and cherry but with a festive twist of a light chestnut cream.

If you're looking for Christmas ideas, have a look at our classic yule log.

Baileys chocolate tiffin with cherries

Check out these indulgent chocolate tiffins with our favourite Christmas drink. Jarred maraschino cherries add a fruity sweetness, while edible glitter provides added bling.

Be inspired by all our recipes using Baileys.

White forest trifle

This trifle is an easy and stylish Christmas dessert to make during the festive season, or all year round. Ready in only 30 minutes, our white forest trifle will become a favourite in no time.

From classic English trifle to more adventurous combinations, we have plenty more trifle recipes to enjoy.